Giuseppe Felice Romani (1788-1865), also known as Felice Romani, was an Italian opera librettist of the 19th century. He was born in Milan and began his career as a lawyer before turning to literature and eventually opera libretto writing. Romani’s most famous works include the librettos for Bellini’s “Norma” and “I Puritani,” as well as… Read More
bel canto
Five French Art Songs, set by Gaetano Donizetti
In 1838, the Paris Opéra commissioned Gaetano Donizetti for two works. Due in part to his rising frustrations with censorial limitations that existed in Italy, Donizetti seized the opportunity to work in Paris, where he felt he had more editorial freedom. He spent the next 10 years working in Paris, while traveling between Naples, Rome,… Read More